Barton Springs Pool

In the dead of summer, when few stray too far from the air-conditioning, there’s one place that’s sure to be a cool 68°, and that’s Barton Springs Pool (2101 Barton Springs Rd., 512/867-3080). This age-old artesian spring–fed pool in Zilker Park has faithfully provided Austinites with a cool place to swim, relax, and socialize for over 100 years. On any given summer day Barton Springs Pool is packed with families, flirting teenagers, sun seekers, and dare devils at the diving board showing off their tricks.

The 1,000-foot-long swimming hole is fed by several underwater springs. When the springs were damned off to create the pool, the natural rock and gravel bottom was wisely left unaltered, preserving the natural ambience. If you’re concerned about pollution or hygiene you’ll be glad to hear the pool has a legion of advocates (the Save Our Springs Coalition) that closely guard this precious resource. When it comes to pollution Barton Springs’ pure waters have been tirelessly defended from the constant threat of damaging development on the aquifer that feeds the pool. As for hygiene, the pool is closed when the fecal coliform count is high. The pool is open daily (except Thursdays) 5 a.m.–10 p.m. in the summer. Access to the pool is $3 for adults, $2 for ages 12–17, and $1 for seniors and kids 11 and under. Swimming before 8 a.m. is free but “swim at your own risk.” Lifeguards are on duty only during the fee periods. There are two ways to access the pool; the main entrance is off Barton Springs Road. For the back entrance off Barton Springs Road, turn away from Town Lake on Robert E. Lee Drive, go up the hill and park at the gravel parking area next to the baseball field. Words of advice: call before you go to make sure the pool is open, check the hours (which change seasonally), and don’t bring food (eating on the grounds isn’t allowed).